The Baltimore Ravens have spent the offseason quietly retooling one of the league’s most complete rosters. They had a strong draft, addressed two key defensive needs early, and still managed to add depth in the trenches—exactly the kind of approach you’d expect from one of the NFL’s most stable organizations.
So when Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr dropped Baltimore two spots in his post-draft power rankings, from No. 5 to No. 7, it naturally raised quite a few eyebrows. Not outrage. But curiosity for sure.
Orr’s reasoning? While praising the additions of Malaki Starks and Mike Green, he questioned whether the Ravens did enough to evolve offensively—pointing out that they selected a kicker before addressing a skill position.
Why the Ravens didn’t draft offense early in the 2025 NFL Draft
Here’s Orr’s full analysis:
“The Ravens had an excellent draft, although the club’s supposed zero tolerance position on off-field issues again gets a workout with the selection of Mike Green in the second round (Green twice denied accusations of sexual assault, once in college and once in high school). This defense will be able to evolve with the addition of another rangy safety (Malaki Starks) and high-upside edge (Green). However, the team took a new kicker before addressing any skill positions on the offensive side of the ball. Does the offense have the tools to evolve, too?”
It’s definitely a fair question—but one that might not fully account for the current state of Baltimore’s roster.
The Ravens didn’t just field a good offense last season; they had one of the best in league history. They led the NFL in total yards, ranked No. 1 in rushing, and averaged over 30 points per game. Lamar Jackson should have won his third MVP. Derrick Henry was as good as advertised in Year 1. Zay Flowers is coming off his first 1,000-yard, Pro Bowl season. Mark Andrews is still in purple. DeAndre Hopkins was signed in free agency and now slots in as a WR3.
Could the Ravens have added another receiver or skill player on Day 2 or Day 3? Sure. But that would’ve been a luxury pick—not remotely a pressing need. If a mid-round rookie was expected to tilt the balance of Baltimore’s offense, that would be more concerning than reassuring.
What Baltimore actually needed was help in the secondary, offensive line depth, and more consistency rushing the passer—areas they addressed with their first three picks. Malaki Starks is the kind of high-IQ, high-upside safety who allows Kyle Hamilton to roam more freely. Emery Jones Jr. will battle for a Day 1 role at right guard. Mike Green brings pass-rushing juice that could make a difference right away. And the Ravens didn’t forget about more offensive line depth either, drafting two other linemen who add competition and depth at a spot of legitimate need.
The selection of kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round might have stood out, but it doesn’t suggest a lack of urgency on offense. It reflects a front office that trusts its core and didn’t feel the need to overreach. It also gives them much-needed Justin Tucker insurance.
Ultimately, this drop in the rankings feels less like a major indictment and more like a difference in perspective. Orr’s take is rooted in thoughtful critique, but Ravens fans will likely come away with a different view—confident that the team made smart, calculated moves to strengthen a roster that was already built to contend.
That’s why Ravens fans can’t be blamed for scratching their heads at this one. This was already a top-five team heading into the offseason, and everything they’ve done since has only made them better. If this is what dropping two spots looks like, then the rest of the league should be worried.